Confederacy of dunces
The editorial cartoon by Mike Lukovich published in the Jan. 23 Tribune brought to mind the old phrase, “A Confederacy of Dunces.”
It pictured all the also-rans for the Republican presidential nomination. In my opinion, they are a group of seriously flawed cartoon characters. Good job, Mike.
R.G. Nourse
Clarkston
Trump hates America
Once again, I believe Donald Trump hates America.
In addition to “terminate the Constitution” and “arrest judges,” racism, denigrating women (on “Hollywood Access” video), stealing nuclear documents, praising dictators, inciting an insurrection, bribing a porn star and Muslim bans, prove Trump’s ignorance including the pandemic deaths of a million Americans.
An inept Congress passed just 27 bills last year ... . The cause of this pathetic showing is gerrymandering and congressional Republicans who have forsaken their vows, hand on Bible, in a mockery of Christianity, the rule of law and the pledge to uphold the Constitution.
With scant interest in helping voters improve their lives, Trump’s House cronies continue inaction. Meanwhile, the Senate border bill sits ignored.
Video footage shows Trump bragging he would jail anyone who dares to oppose him, including lawyers and liberals. Also, he would “execute a general” and shutter news networks. Claims that all presidents are immune from prosecution, no matter the crime, are laughable.
Besides the truth in the above quotes, recently Trump ordered house acolytes to, “Keep the border open” (translation: keep the fentanyl flowing) and “destroy the economy.” Verifiable through video, the truth is plainly visible, just like the footage of Jan. 6. Fox News is trying to obscure history. Videos disprove his ignorant claims.
I feel for attorney Alina Habba, whose problem is a bellowing buffoon who believes he is smarter. Thus, a “stable genius” must pay an $83 million judgment.
Jim Roach
Moscow
Forest plan isn’t good
To the east of the Palouse country are 1.5 million acres of spectacular, roadless country in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. This is scenic, rugged, isolated country with limitless outdoor opportunities for hunting big game; fishing clear, cold waters; hiking; and other outdoor activities. What really sets it apart from other areas is the opportunity to get out there by yourself.
The recently released final draft of the new forest plan is a big disappointment over the previous 1987 plan. Of the 1.5 million roadless acres, this new plan recommends only 17% for permanent protection as wilderness. Only 17% of that roadless land will be managed as wilderness — the optimal management for wildlife diversity.
Proposed timber harvest levels approach the catastrophic levels of the 1990s, which saw the forest unraveling in massive landslides and blockages of drainages like Quartz Creek. The previous plan had measureable, enforceable standards for wildlife, fisheries, old growth and more to ensure the continued integrity of the forest. Most of these standards are being eliminated or reduced.
The new plan is contradictory to federal directives to combat climate change and the extinction crisis by conserving at least 30% of U.S. lands and freshwater by 2030, and conserving and restoring old-growth forests across the national forest system. Preserving only 17% of roadless lands and harvesting old growth is contradictory to these directives.
Please visit the Idaho Chapter of the Sierra Club’s Facebook page to send a letter to the president protesting this travesty.
Al Poplawsky
Moscow
Salmon need action
Dam breaching of the lower Snake River dams is the only answer for the U.S. people to honor the treaty that we as Nez Perce have to take salmon from the Columbia, Snake and other rivers.
The Treaty of 1855 with the Nez Perces was agreed upon where the tribe ceded 11 million acres of land while retaining our hunting, fishing and gathering rights in this treaty area. Any other solutions to the salmon going extinct in the next 10 years will not work. Fish hatcheries don’t work, spills don’t work and throwing more money generated by the dams doesn’t work. The salmon need action now.
Julian Matthews
Pullman
